Research into brain development illustrates the way in which the experiences that children have in their early years impact not only on the biological structure of the brain but also the child's ability to learn.
Immediately after birth, there is an increase in the growth of nerves and neural pathways in the brain as well as the connections between these. This is particularly so from two years to early adolescence. Up to the age of five there is a major increase in the growth of cells and synapses.
Sutton-Smith (1997) reminds us that the infant's brain undergoes major physical and chemical changes as it responds to the environment, creating plasticity or flexibility. If the child experiences an impoverished environment and the neural pathways are not used, then a radical pruning takes place (Griffiths, J 2003). Therefore, part of the function of play is to bring about the achievement of the brain's potential. Conversely, lack of stimulus may result in the loss of some of these connections.
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